Mayor & Councillors

Their job as elected members is to govern and manage the interests of this district on behalf of everyone who lives here. It is also their role to look after the well-being of this community, now and in the future.

The Council is led by the Mayor together with 11 elected Councillors. Their contact details are below should you want to discuss your ideas, issues or concerns.

Council meets monthly. This is when formal decisions regarding the running of our district are made.

Our Council has also chosen to have four Community Boards to help represent the communities of Central Otago, they are Vincent Community Board, Cromwell Community Board, Maniototo Community Board and Teviot Valley Community Board.

Introducing your Council....

Tamah Alley (Mayor)

Mobile: 027 662 2609
Email: tamah.alley@codc.govt.nz
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Central Otago requires a voice for growing families to ensure our area remains progressive, innovative and affordable. Together with my husband Matt and three children, we live near Alexandra. Formally a Police Constable, I am passionate about enabling positive outcomes for our communities, both urban and rural.

Our ageing population combined with new resident growth presents challenges for residents and ratepayers. We want all community members to have ample opportunities to engage in and contribute to our society and economy, while ensuring the cost of additional infrastructure and development is distributed in a fair and equitable way without burdening any one generation.

Environmental sustainability coupled with economic viability and development are important to successfully growing our region in a way that retains the values of why we live here. Innovation in the way we use, reuse, and replace resources is required to protect our unique environments, and there are some exciting projects underway in this space. We need to be ready to face the challenges of a changing climate, and better prepare for the extreme events that will come.

I am excited to be returning to represent you on Council, and also to join the Vincent Community Board this term. I bring proven leadership, communication and mediation skills, along with energy and enthusiasm to help shape our region for future generations.

Neil Gillespie (Deputy Mayor)

Cromwell Ward

Mobile: 027 433 4856
Email: neil.gillespie@codc.govt.nz
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My day job sees me employed as the Hydro Sustainability Specialist with Contact Energy at the Clyde Dam - part of the electricity industry that I've worked in since leaving school in 1978.

I have a passion for Cromwell and the Central Otago District along with a strong commitment to their ongoing growth and prosperity. I was born in Cromwell and am privileged to have been "back home" since 1985 and, along with Joy, raise our four children here.

I've been a member of the Cromwell Community Board since 1998 and was the Chairman from 2001 until 2019. I have also been a Cromwell Ward Councillor since 2001 and the Council's Deputy Mayor since November 2010.

Other interests include being the Chief Fire Officer with the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade and I'm the Secretary of the Clyde & Districts Emergency Rescue Trust. I am also a member and past president of the Wanaka Rodeo Club and a Trustee of the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Central Otago continues to face significant challenges and opportunities as we grow and develop. As elected members we need to understand the views and needs of the community. Council shouldn't be the barrier to these but needs to enable them to be provided for where appropriate while being mindful of the costs on the community.

My extensive experience in the electricity industry and local government together with my other community interests has enabled me to develop an understanding of communities and I'm committed to understanding all views and ensuring they are considered in the decision-making process.

Sarah Browne

Cromwell Ward

Mobile: 021 946 184
Email: sarah.browne@codc.govt.nz
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I came to Cromwell in 2008, and knew it was where I wanted to stay and bring up a family. The opportunities and lifestyle that Central Otago offers to young families is second to none.

I am a mother to four young children, also working as an architectural draughtsperson, and have previously spent over a decade in senior management positions in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago regions.

I am heavily involved in several junior sports as a coach, mentor, manager and committee member, as well as still picking up a hockey stick myself from time to time! I am a trustee of the Central Otago Sports Turf Trust and a past vice-president of the Central Otago Hockey Association.

Central Otago is a growing and changing region and I am here to represent the working families in the daily juggle; ensuring our slice of paradise grows sustainably, ethically and appropriately, and is welcoming to anyone who wants to call it home or to spend time here as a tourist. We must ensure that what we do today lays a solid foundation for our future generations to thrive.

Lynley Claridge

Vincent Ward

Mobile: 027 289 1551
Email: lynley.claridge@codc.govt.nz

I have lived in Central Otago for more than 40 years with my husband John and am lucky to have my family living nearby.

Previously Associate and Practice Manager in a local accounting firm for 31 years, Accounting Manager in the gold mining industry and now owner of a funeral business covering Central Otago and Lakes District, I understand issues facing our ratepayers from differing perspectives.

I love Central Otago and look forward to being part of the decision making that maximises opportunities for growth, paves the way for our people to grasp opportunities, and protects this perfect place we call home, a place we and our families can live, work and retire for our lifetimes.

I have previous experience on Council and Community Board, and the Central Lakes Trust, and I welcome discussion with ratepayers who have concerns in the community.

Ian Cooney

Vincent Ward

Mobile: 027 241 4177
Email: ian.cooney@codc.govt.nz

I am 38 years old. I have three children who live in my care half of the time.

Over the years I have managed aged care, hospitality and agriculture support businesses, along with owning and operating my own motel business. Currently my work involves management of a local hospitality establishment.

In the past I have played and coached sports both locally and regionally.

I enjoy spending time with my children and attending their sports, cultural and school events.

I hope to be able to listen to the needs of the community and work together with fellow elected members, staff and community members to build a resilient infrastructure based on considered use of the available resources.

Stuart Duncan

Maniototo Ward

Mobile: 027 474 1961
Email: nigel.mckinlay@codc.govt.nz

I live in Bannockburn and, with my wife Pauline, own and operate GATE 20 TWO Vineyard.

I have wide experience in manufacturing and retail, have served on several national trade organisations, and belonged for four years to the Small Business Advisory Group, set up in 2002 to advise Cabinet on small business.

I have also served on community groups and am a past president of Dunedin's Fortune Theatre.

This is my fourth term on Council and I have served four terms on the Cromwell Community Board. I believe strongly in the Cromwell district and in Central Otago. Promoting economic progress, and the cost and efficiency of local government are areas of interest.

For relaxation I enjoy reading, bridge, gardening and tennis.

Martin McPherson

Vincent Ward

Phone: 03 448 9114
Mobile: 021 879 849
Email: martin.mcpherson@codc.govt.nz

I have lived, worked and played in Central Otago for 30 years. My partner Christine and I enjoy this community and its people.

I am probably best known as the event manager for the Alexandra Blossom Festival. This role brings me into contact with people across our wonderful region.

We live in a rapidly developing and changing community, a district that is facing many challenges. It is a privilege to represent the people of Central Otago on Council and I undertake to always listen to your concerns, share your thoughts and discuss your views.

I have represented the people of this region for over five terms on Council. I have chaired the Vincent Community Board and look forward to working alongside newly elected members of Council and Community Board as we look to the next three years of local government.

As I continue in this role, I trust my contribution will add value to the Council and as a team we will all work towards making "our place" even better.

Tracy Paterson

Vincent Ward